Mildred “Cookie” Pauline (Burkett) White, 78, loving sister, mother, and grandmother passed away with grace and peace on January 9, 2020, in Punxsutawney, after a long battle with dementia and crippling arthritis.
She said the first thing she was going to do once in heaven would be to dance with her beloved husband Jack.
The eldest child of the late Luther and Mildred (Berkeybile) Burkett, Cookie was born on December 31, 1941, in Pittsburgh where she spent her childhood years. Her family relocated to Punxsutawney when Cookie was a teenager.
Shortly after graduating from Punxsutawney Area High School in 1960, Cookie moved to Greenwich Village, New York City where she worked as a model for Macy’s. In 1963, she met and married Jack White, the love of her life. The couple lived in Virginia before settling in Punxsutawney where they raised two sons, Matt and Marty. During their 50-year marriage, they traveled to Europe and all over the United States. They loved to dance and loved their family most of all.
In addition to her parents, Cookie was preceded in death by her husband Jack and son Matthew White as well as her nephew Shawn Haggerty.
Cookie is survived by her son Martin White of Punxsutawney; granddaughter Shelby White of Hershey; sister Kimberly Bosak and husband David of Punxsutawney; and brother Louie Burkett and wife Bernie of Connellsville. Additionally, she is survived by nephew Chad Meanor and sons Dominic, Dakota of Missouri, and nephew Brandon Meanor of Kittanning, Pa and his son Karsten of Punxsutawney, Pa. She also leaves behind numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, and many dear friends, all of whom she treasured deeply.
A long-time teacher’s aide at Punxsutawney Area High School, Cookie touched the lives of many students. She had a passion for people and would assist anyone at any time for most any reason. After her formal retirement, she continued to show her love for people by working at Erin Cameron’s Daycare Center where she truly enjoyed working with the children. In addition to being with friends and family, she also belonged to many card clubs through the years.
Cookie’s funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Richard L. Fait Funeral Home, Punxsutawney, PA.
A public memorial gathering in her honor will be held at the Fait Funeral Home on Friday, January 17, 2020, from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Richard L. Fait Funeral Home, 117 N. Jefferson St., Punxsutawney, PA 15767 to assist with her funeral expenses.
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